What is the purpose of power washing over old deck stain?

Question

Can I just restain the deck... the wood on the deck just looks faded... I don't have a power wash... I know I can rent one but not sure how to use it... can I just restain it... what is the purpose of removing the old one... I'm new at this so this might be a dumb question.

Answer 1

Removing the old paint would give better paint adhesion, old paints have the tendency to flake or turn to powder.  If you don't have a power washer or could borrow /rent one.  You can do manual stripping which is laborious.  Power wash just make the process easier.

Answer 2

you never powerwash a timber deck it wrecks it by bringing up the grain. A chemical wash and some elbow grease

Answer 3

if u just restain your deck everytime u walk on it it will stay on the bottom of your shoes

Answer 4

Powerwashing will bring back the lusta of the wood color and grain.  Washing clean off the grime, grease, algae, fungus and just junk prior to restaining.